Climate Change Drives Need for Sustainable Water Systems, JICA President

FAISALABAD: As climate change intensifies pressure on urban water resources across Pakistan, Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening climate-resilient water infrastructure through a major drinking water project in Faisalabad.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr. TANAKA Akihiko visited Faisalabad to inspect the Japanese-funded water supply project at Jhal Khanwana, marking the first official visit by a JICA president to Pakistan since 2020.
During the visit, Dr. TANAKA reviewed the water treatment plant, modern water transmission network and digitally managed operational system. He described the project as one of Japan’s flagship climate-resilient urban development initiatives in Pakistan, designed to improve water security by ensuring a reliable supply of safe and sustainable drinking water amid growing challenges posed by climate change, rapid urbanisation and increasing water demand.
JICA has provided a grant of approximately 4.094 billion Japanese yen for the project. Operational since April 2025, the treatment plant has the capacity to purify around five million gallons of water daily, enhancing the city’s resilience against water shortages and climate-related stress on public utilities.
Dr. TANAKA also highlighted JICA’s support for the Faisalabad Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Master Plan (2016–2019), which provides a long-term roadmap for modernising the city’s water and sanitation infrastructure through 2038. The plan is intended to help Faisalabad adapt to the impacts of climate change by promoting sustainable water management, reducing losses and improving urban resilience.
He said future discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, the Punjab Chief Minister and other senior government officials would focus on expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan programme, to support climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development.
Reaffirming Japan’s long-term partnership with Pakistan, Dr. TANAKA said JICA would continue supporting projects that strengthen climate adaptation, improve essential public services and promote sustainable development while deepening Pakistan-Japan relations.
During the visit, Dr. TANAKA also met residents benefiting from the project and visited households connected to the upgraded water supply network. He observed firsthand how the improved treatment facilities, modern transmission system and digital water management are enhancing access to safe drinking water and improving the quality of daily life for local communities.
He said the project reflects the tangible impact of long-standing Japan-Pakistan development cooperation and demonstrates how resilient urban infrastructure can help cities adapt to climate change while delivering essential public services.